The Pittsburgh Pirates head to Rate Field on Thursday, September 10, for a 7:40 PM ET regular-season showdown against the Chicago White Sox. Jared Jones gets the ball for Pittsburgh against Chicago's Hagen Smith in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup. The Pirates make the trip to the South Side looking to pick up a road win with the regular season winding toward its final weeks. Catch it on SportsNet Pittsburgh on the TV side, or tune in on Sports Radio 93.7 KDKA The Fan if you're making the drive.
Pirates at White Sox: Thursday, September 10, 2026 Game Preview
With the calendar flipping deep into September, every game carries weight. The Pirates are on the road, away from PNC Park and its stunning river views, which means they'll need to manufacture energy from within. Road wins against any opponent matter in the final stretch of a regular season, and this trip to Chicago is no exception.
Pitching Matchup: Jared Jones vs. Hagen Smith
Jones is Pittsburgh's starter for this one, and his performance will go a long way toward determining how the night unfolds. The young right-hander has shown flashes of genuine frontline potential during his time in a Pirates uniform, and starts like this one — on the road, in a meaningful stretch of the season — are exactly the kind of moments that define a pitcher's development arc. Keep an eye on how he handles the middle innings if his pitch count climbs.
On the other side, Chicago sends Hagen Smith to the mound. Smith is a name Pirates fans will want to get familiar with. These late-season interleague-style matchups against a pitcher you haven't seen much of can be tricky, and Pittsburgh's lineup will need to do their homework early in the count.
Keys to Watch for Pittsburgh
- Jones's command: If Jones can locate his fastball and keep hitters off balance with his secondary stuff, the Pirates have a real shot at keeping this game close from the jump.
- Early-count plate discipline: Facing an unfamiliar arm in Smith, Pittsburgh's hitters need to work counts and resist chasing early. Getting into the White Sox bullpen is always a viable game plan.
- Road mentality: The Pirates are away from PNC Park, so the crowd won't be on their side. Staying composed, especially if Chicago gets something going early, is critical.
- Bullpen management: September rosters are expanded, giving both clubs more arms to work with. How Pittsburgh manages its relievers behind Jones could be the deciding factor in a close game.
Prediction
This is a winnable game for Pittsburgh. Jones has the stuff to keep Chicago's lineup in check, and Rate Field is not an intimidating road environment. The Pirates take this one behind a solid outing from Jones and timely hitting from the middle of the lineup. Pirates 4, White Sox 2.
